Orla 3682 RIP  adopted 5/31/15 - 1/13/23

Our best girl crossed over the rainbow bridge on Friday. Our hearts were not ready but we have to believe that she was.  

We adopted Orla from the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue when Rylan was about two. When we reached out to the rescue, we were initially interested in another shepherd. Orla’s foster mom brought her to our home to conduct a home check and background check before we could adopt. Orla and Rylan became instant friends and at the end of the home visit She jumped on Rylan’s bed…like ”okay, I’m here to stay”.…and she was. We have always joked that Orla picked us that day but really it was God.

He knew just what he was doing when he placed her in our home. We needed her as much as she needed us. She has always watched over all of us…She was the only reason I felt safe when Matt was at the fire station at night. When we were out and about she always sat with her back to us so she could keep a look out. She’s been the mama dog to both human babies and puppies (even helped with Rosie’s litter of puppies). She was the “neighborhood dog” as her favorite pastime was to visit all of the neighbors for treats they kept for her or join them on walks.

Before she came to us, she’d already had a litter of puppies at about 1 year old, heart worms, and a skin infection that caused her to lose most of her hair. Her foster mom named her Orla meaning “Golden Princess” in Celtic as a way to give her a name she could grow into. We certainly think she grew into that, plus some…our golden princess, protector, “beans”, Orla girl.

Our home feels empty without her. We hope and pray she knows how much she was loved and how much she is missed. Her paws have certainly left forever imprints on our hearts.   Dana & Matt Furrow

Adopted August 17, 2004

Our beloved Morgan crossed the rainbow bridge on January 24, 2015 at the age  of 14 after being diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy.  My wife and I  spent the last night of Morgan's life sleeping on the floor with her. Until the very end, her goal was to please us and that she did.  She was not alone when she crossed the bridge as various family members joined us at the vet.  I'm sure she is waiting anxiously in heaven to see her family again when the   time is right.

When my wife and I got married in April 2000, we combined her two daughters with my four sons and two daughters to make the perfect family (well almost perfect) - 4 boys & 4 girls.  This was the Yours and Mine of the Yours, Mine and Ours storyline. What was lacking was the Ours and another child wasn't in our plans.  As part of my Father's day gift in 2004 and to coincide with my wife's retirement, we decided to get a dog.  I had German Shepherds as a child so that was my first choice but I did have a little convincing to do.  But that wasn't hard and Morgan became the Ours, the missing piece to our combined family.

Morgan was almost four when we adopted her in August of 2004.  Though Morgan wasn't our first choice, God seems to always have the right plan and it  worked out for the best.  We couldn't have asked for a better dog.  Little  was known about her background and we needed to build some trust with her.  But it didn't take long and she loved the attention she received from such a  large family.  Inside the confines of our home, her manners were impeccable and she was the most well-behaved dog I have ever been around.  However, outside could be a different story.  Though we tried, we could never get her over her high anxiety of other dogs and she only befriended one other GSD.  That being said, I wouldn't have traded her in a million years.

For the last six years I have worked from home and until the last year when she had difficulty with the steps, she was by my side throughout the  workday.  I miss the three to four daily walks, the nudge when she wants to  eat or play, and the stares when we are watching television.  Even when her  legs became unsteady, she still had a lot of puppy in her and wanted to play  every day.  As GSD's are affectionately known as German Shedders, we still  find Morgan's dog hair around the house, on our clothes, in the car, etc.  which I take as her way of letting us know she's still with us, at least in spirit.

I'm sure you understand the void of losing a special pet.  I know she is at  peace and I'm sure by now she has befriended my childhood German Shepherd Dogs Tina & Fritz.

Thanks again VGSR for letting her become an important part of our family's  lives.

Best Regards,
Rick Burnheimer

It is with absolute heartbreak that I write to tell you that our dear Oscar passed away this past week. The degenerate myelopathy seemed to be progressing slowly since his diagnosis but really hit hard the past few months, the last month especially. On Thursday night he was helped across the rainbow bridge while Matt and I stroked his soft fur and told him how much we loved him. Our hearts are broken.

Oscar's last day was spent receiving lots of cuddles, enjoying a bowl of peanut butter on the couch, a visit from friends and a steak dinner.

Oh how we miss him. He was such a treasure to our family. The moment I saw him at our first visit I knew he would be my big baby. He was such a gentlemen. Always gentle with the girls, other animals, children, really everyone he encountered. He was especially gentle when he played with his dog brother and cat sister who were very much smaller than him. They are missing him too! While it was easy for Oscar to get around he was my velcro dog. He followed me everywhere, and was very protective over me. If my hubby hugged me too long Oscar would come in and split us up. And just forget about it if I said "stop, no or ouch," Oscar would not have it! That protection went for everyone in our family. He kept a close eye on his little girls too, and while he could, he always slept upstairs with them while they were napping. Oscar was one of our youngest daughter's first words. He loved playing catch with his Kong ball. In those early days he would run and run, and jump to catch his ball in the air. He loved being outside and the cabin seemed to be his favorite place. He would explore the property and just lounge while smelling the fresh air. He wasn't crazy about water though and during our annual beach trips never seemed interested in getting wet. We did get him on a pool float for dogs one year but he didn't want to stay there long. Maybe his size discouraged him from swimming. Oh he was a BIG BOY! If he stood to the side in the kitchen no one could pass by. He took up two seats on the couch and was not shy about pushing anyone out of his spot, which he did to all of us, including my father in law many times. 

I've been going through our photos just to relive memories of him. The everyday stuff stings the most; not seeing him in his spot on the couch, the way he waited patiently for our youngest to finish eating so he could clean the seat of her highchair. The way he never let you forget about his after dinner bone, the sound of him walking around, his loud barks when someone is at the door, hearing him run in his sleep, and having him come right into your face when he wanted something; cuddles, food, to go out...you could not ignore him! Our heat has been out this weekend and I know he would have kept me warm with his snuggles if he was here, as he had done the past two winters. I even miss his slobber that covered my floors, and I still can't muster the strength to mop away the last slobber marks on our front living room floor. Our time with him was short, but our love will last a lifetime. He was the absolute best companion and we are so blessed to have had this time with him. Oscar was perfect in every way.

It is with a heavy heart that I let you know that Ozzy (2006 - 2017)  passed away peacefully over the weekend. Adopted from VGSR in 2007, he was  my first shepherd, my fierce protector, constant companion, and best  friend. Over the almost ten years we were together, we herded sheep,  hiked, swam, camped, and he became a great ambassador for the breed.

He spent his retirement years in Florida and was absolutely one of the  best things that has ever happened to me. My life changed the day I   adopted this big boy. Thank you VGSR.

Best wishes,

Laurel (2/13/17)

With a sad heart, but one filled with love, today I said goodbye to Ozzy and helped him cross over the Rainbow Bridge. Ozzy quickly declined and could no longer walk, even in the house, without assistance. He had lost control of both his back legs. It was time to help him go with grace and dignity.  While our time together was too short, it was wonderful. I was so blessed to have him and grateful that he rescued me too. I couldn't have asked for a better first rescue from Virginia German Shepherd Rescue.  Thank you all for your love, support and just amazing friendship.  Rescuing Ozzy was one of the best things I have ever done.  In time, I will rescue again and go back on the active foster list, but I need some time for now.  In honor of the Oz Man, following are the lessons I learned from Ozzy:

• Old dogs can learn new tricks, if they want to.
• With enough heart and determination, you can do anything you set your mind to.
• Love at first sight does exist.
• Love with all your heart and love big.
• You can love a senior as much as a puppy.
• Speak loudly, speak often.
• Give lots of kisses.
• A twitch of an ear can speak volumes.
• One can be content watching the world go by.
• Travel. Go for long rides and enjoy the scenery.
• Make others smile.
• A simple touch can be calming.
• Snuggle often.

Rest in peace, my precious Ozzy. You are loved. Enjoy running with the big dogs. I will see you again, my love.

Raegan